More in this series: Prologue, Ch. 1, Ch. 2, Ch. 3, Ch. 4, Ch. 5, Ch. 6, Ch. 7, Ch. 8, Ch. 9, Ch. 10, Ch. 11, Ch. 12, Ch. 13, Ch. 14, Ch. 15, Ch. 16, Ch. 17, Ch. 18, Ch. 19, Ch. 20, Ch. 21, Ch.22, Ch. 23
Nicholas’ heart was broken, But his resolve was hard frozen. He would make the goblins regret Their lack of basic respect For the work and lives They wasted on the ice Without a care for anything except their own wealth, Their own comfort at the expense of herders and elves. But Nicholas was not alone in his anger. The Polar Elf Guild was growing in numbers. It was like the North Pole was waking from slumber. Organizers worked to change thought and behavior. Plus, that one speech from who knows who Inspired many to get up and do Their significant share To build and prepare A majority coalition For the sake of a vision Of a better North Pole Which worked for the good of every soul. Elves would draw little icons of hope In various places, like the grave of little Moh.
A red dingy hat Was something that Everyone recognized instantly As a sign of solidarity and sympathy With the P.E.G., and the polar workers Who were standing up to the goblin usurpers.
The guild ax was often worn under a sleeve Or in a shirt as a pendant which could quickly Be flashed or dropped in a pinch discreetly. These both indicated solidarity Whenever one caught sight of one of these. They were signs of the struggle. Simple means to unmuddle The time of confusion Creating a fusion Of herders, deer, elves, and bears Across the North Pole and everywhere. The hat was the most prevalent. No matter where one went There were red hats drawn or worn. It came to be the norm That most goblins took as a fashion trend Since they were too blinded to comprehend That anyone could or would organize resistance To their unassailable power system.
But one symbol stood apart. A symmetrical eight-pointed star On twin necklaces worn close to the heart Of two odd companions who sought to impart Freedom and equality to everyone in these parts. Young Snihurońka the goblin and Nic the elf Were strangely magnetic attracting masses to themselves; Or rather, to an idea that they held distinct, One which was scoffed at by many, and made others think: That a whole society could be based on generosity. To them we will return For I have almost forgotten about Nicholas And an unwitting ally to his resistance. We must not glance over her. The child of a loving union Between an elf and a human. Klasina is her name, And she contributes to our tale in no small way.